Computer is running slow, also some setting are being changed

hello there if someone could help me it would be very appreciated my computer is running very slow when it comes to running anything on my computer. internet explorer takes time to open also and sometimes the computer freezes up and for some reason the settings get changed in the internet options place. i have the anti malware program and run it also i have avast and run that also. i have got help from broni at the virus and malware area on here and followed everything that i was suppose to do and now i have TFC that i was told to keep and run once a week. so if someone can help me i again would be very very appreciated for any help that is give thank you for your time

Please download CPUZ 1.56 - 32bit version (click here), and install it, once you run it go to about tab and save its out put in either html or txt format, and attach the resulting file with your next post.

i clicked onto the link and i seen one place that was CPUZ 1.56 is out that was the only one i seen so i clicked on it and now im at a place where there are 3 different cpuz 1.56 to download the first one is cpuz 1.56 english and under it, it says installation includes 32 and 64 the second one says cpuz 1.56 english under it, it says (.zip, no installation) and the thrid one is the same as the second one so if you would please let me know which one you would like me to download

Well I am sure a system with 256MB RAM can be reasonably slower even while running windows xp, and as this system is reasonably old with installation of new stuff it may well have gotten even slower.

Anyway, to start with can you please tell me how much free space in C:\ drive? Because lack of free space can make such system catastrophically slow. I'd suggest you to have a close look at your my documents folder as well; and remove anything which you do not like.

Which internet browser do you use ? Clean out its cache.

Also check your file system's health, to do so please follow these instructions:

1. Click on Start, then go to programs, and to Accessories
2. Look for "Command Prompt"
3. Once you found it, Right Click on it, and select 'Run as Administrator'
4. In the appearing window type chkdsk /r

It will tell you that it will run the test on next boot, that is fine. Type exit and press enter.

Reboot.

Once you have done the above, I also need you to make a list of software you have installed on this computer. See which ones you need/use, and which ones you rarely use, I'd suggest getting rid of such programs by uninstalling them. Regards

alright i looked at the C drive and it says this (used space: 15,020,077,056 bytes 13.9 GB) and (free space: 44,942,213,120 bytes 41.8 GB) and then it says (capacity: 59,962,290,176 bytes 55.8 GB) so let me know if thats what info. you needed or not

Well I am sure a system with 256MB RAM can be reasonably slower even while running windows xp, and as this system is reasonably old with installation of new stuff it may well have gotten even slower.

Click to expand...

Hi LittleBigNDN

I think Archean hit the two major points that also ocurred to me when i skimmed your thread
1. Memory
One problem: You're running with 256MB memory. That's the original minimum when XP was first released in 2001! Part of the problem with all new updates, enhancement, video graphics, new tools that are added by Microsoft or yourself, they really start needing more memory.

Looks like you have a Dimension 4500. I checked Crucial memory website
> The max for your machine is 1GB memory (you have only 2 memory slots. Max memory for each slot on your dimension is 512MB)
> Looks like would cost about $50
Tho you might need ask a local store if you're not familiar and comfortable with changing the memory yourself.
2. Software bloat
I suspect your second best bet is to do a clean Windows reinstall. Do you have your XP CDs?

Over time, there's lots of crapware that sneaks onto your machine. My guess is long time since you reinstalled? If you do reinstall, there's some tips / preperations you should do before hand makes the reinstall much smoother...

/* edit */
But as quick aside, if you're also having IE problems, also try reseting IE

1.) please let me know what i can remove from computer
2.) i dont have a CD either i lost it or its in the storage
3.) there are days when computer loads up fast and then days when its really slow thats why i figured i would come here to get help.
4.) i have this 2 GB flash drive is there anything i can use that for to help me with my problems
5.)if i buy a new hard drive would that fix all my problems and if there is anything else that could help me i would be very greatful and thank you for your time